Latin

“It allows you to adore words, take them apart and find out where they came from”

Our KS2 pupils take part in a weekly Latin lesson following the 'Maximum Classics' scheme of work. Through these lessons, our pupils:

• write Latin words, phrases and sentences to communicate meaning;
• develop an appreciation of the Latin language and culture;
• develop an understanding of etymology and the relevance of this and the words we use in modern English;
• increase their knowledge and understanding of English grammar and spelling.

Latin lessons are divided into two distinct sessions. The first being language instruction; repetition of previous learning, deliberate practise and an introduction to new learning. The second session is based on a cultural element usually consisting of fact learning and an experience such as cooking a Roman menu or designing and making Roman mosaics. 

Why we teach your child Latin

In Key Stage 2, we have chosen to teach Latin because of the rich opportunities that come with learning this ancient language. As well as being a fascinating language in its own right, knowledge of Latin helps develop our pupils’ literacy skills. We believe learning Latin is a logical step after phonics because it reinforces the notion of structure and pattern in language. Latin compliments the teaching of grammar as it supports children to develop and deepen their knowledge of spelling and vocabulary through learning Latin roots of English words. Moreover, the study of Roman and Greek civilisations allows an insight into significant cultures that have formed the basis of modern Western culture. As well as this, we strongly believe that learning Latin provides a strong foundation to language learning in KS3 and beyond and empowers the learning of other romance languages such as Spanish and French.

What our curriculum looks like

From Year 3 to Year 6, we deliver the aims of the National Curriculum through an intensive Latin programme (Maximum Classics). Children receive weekly Latin lessons for three half-terms, that includes both language learning and classics, allowing them to make substantial progress in the language. Lessons provide opportunity for pupils to practice and develop, in a balanced approach, their spoken and written language. Children understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings, orally and in writing. Our aim is to provide a strong foundation for reading comprehension and an appreciation of classical civilisation.

Our curriculum is sequenced so our pupils’ schemata can grow, through the connection of new knowledge with previous knowledge. We define progress by our pupils knowing more, remembering more and being able to do more.

The Latin curriculum is carefully mapped out, considering some of the following:

• Are we enabling children to understand and respond to spoken and written language from a range of authentic sources?
• How is the learning of new vocabulary developed? Do lessons facilitate the exploration of the interplay between Latin and English vocabulary?
• Is the curriculum planned in accessible step-by-step manner so children can build on previous learning?
• Are we enabling children to remember what is most important?
• How do Latin lessons support the KS2 SPaG elements, such as word class, tense and auxiliary verbs?
• Does our curriculum support effective transition in languages from primary to secondary school?

How we teach Latin

As with every subject, we recognise what makes learning a language unique, and as a result make pedagogical choices to ensure teaching is the best it can possibly be.

To assess the key learning at the end of the lesson, teachers will ask three questions, which align carefully with the learning. Furthermore, summative assessments at the end of each unit provide opportunity to test comprehension and recall key grammar, vocabulary and skills from the unit in question.

We have captured our pedagogical choice for teaching a foreign in our Latin principles which can be seen below: